Former MSU standout Banks signs deal with Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla. -- Second-round draft choice Johnthan Banks has agreed to a four-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, leaving the team with one unsigned rookie.

Banks was the Bucs' top selection in the draft out of Mississippi State University -- No. 43 overall. He will compete for playing time in a revamped secondary bolstered by the addition of three-time All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis. Revis was obtained in a trade that sent Tampa Bay's first-round selection -- No. 13 overall -- to the New York Jets.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the NFL's collective bargaining agreement calls for rookies drafted beyond the first round to receive four-year deals. The exact value of Banks' deal wasn't immediately known, but the limited negotiating parameters suggest it is worth slightly more than last year's No. 43rd overall selection. That player, Stephen Hill of the Jets, signed for $5 million and received $2.9 million in guarantees.

Banks is expected to play an important role this season, likely taking on, at minimum, the nickel back role.

Banks won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 2012. He finished his college career with 16 interceptions, including three he returned for touchdowns. He started 45 of 51 games at MSU, including all 38 in the last three years. He had 221 tackles, five forced fumbles, 26 passes defensed, 11.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks.